A person can become a mobile makeup artist in one of three ways: through informal self-study, working for a manufacturer, or receiving formal training at a makeup or cosmetology school. More formal training and licensure can help a mobile makeup artist appear more professional and advanced, but forming and utilizing networks is a big part of getting into the industry. Even with formal training, it should take two years or less to enter the field.
A person who wants to work as a mobile makeup artist has no formal education requirements. Hands-on experience and networking, rather than formal education, are the mainstays of the industry. Given this, having a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency degree is a plus. Biology and chemistry classes can help you understand how products work and affect the skin, while business classes can help you with issues like marketing, taxes, billing, scheduling, and account management.
It is possible for someone who wants to work as a mobile makeup artist to be mostly self-taught. This necessitates reading makeup books and magazines, as well as informal practice on volunteers. However, many clients prefer a makeup artist with more formal training. Training with a makeup manufacturer is a good way to get supported training without having to take college classes. In exchange for serving as company representatives or promoters, companies will show interested and qualified individuals how to apply their products.
Going to a makeup or cosmetology school is the most formal way to become a mobile makeup artist. Makeup schools typically provide basic documentation of program completion that allows a makeup artist to claim certification, whereas the most relevant path through a cosmetology school is to specialize in skin esthetics. Programs in cosmetology can last anywhere from nine months to two years. Following the completion of a cosmetology program, a person should take the state-mandated licensure exams. People in the United States take cosmetology exams through their state’s Board of Cosmetology. A cosmetology degree and license are not required to work as a mobile makeup artist, but they do provide the most authority.
Whether a person chooses to be self-taught, learn from a manufacturer, or receive formal training at a makeup or cosmetology school, there are two rules that must be followed by anyone who wants to work as a mobile makeup artist. To begin, practice on as many people as you can. This allows a person to gain experience working with a wide range of face shapes, skin tones, colors, and ages. Second, put together a fantastic portfolio that demonstrates the breadth of your makeup abilities. Take photos of everything you do, not only for your portfolio, but also for comparison purposes.
A person who wants to work as a mobile makeup artist must publicize herself in some way, regardless of how she learns. People often do not want to meet with a mobile makeup artist in person before making a hiring decision, so having a good, clean, and user-friendly website is crucial. Although networking with other professionals such as wedding planners and photographers is a low-cost method of gaining business, a makeup artist should not overlook traditional publicity methods such as discount coupon mailings, newspaper advertisements, and radio advertisements.